Broncos could look very familiar in 2025
SEASON PREVIEW: WESTERN MICHIGAN
2024 RECORD:6-7, (5-3 MAC)
2025 MAC HEAD COACHES POLL: 7th
MRO STAFF
The points were there. Unfortunately, the opponent points were also there!
Western Michigan was second among MAC teams in points scored (28.9 ppg) last year. However, the Broncos were . . .
2024 RECORD:6-7, (5-3 MAC)
2025 MAC HEAD COACHES POLL: 7th
MRO STAFF
The points were there. Unfortunately, the opponent points were also there!
Western Michigan was second among MAC teams in points scored (28.9 ppg) last year. However, the Broncos were . . .
. . . ninth in scoring defense (31.3 ppg). Were it not for a home win over Eastern Michiigan to close the regular season, WMU would not have been bowl eligible. Given the opportunity, WMU lost to South Alabama 30-23 in the IS4S Salute to Veterans Bowl.
As for 2024 conference play, the Broncos started with four straight wins. However, they then lost three straight before the finale win over EMU.
With a decent group of returnees, there is optimism -- especially if transfers can make significant contributions.
OFFENSE:
• Quarterback Hayden Wolff is gone after finishing off his career with 208 completions for 2,410 yards and 18 TDs in 2024. He completed 66.7 percent of his passes and tossed eight interceptions along the way.
Backup Broc Lowry, who saw very limited action last year after transferring from Indiana, could move into the starting role. However Brady Jones earned junior college All-American honors and is also an option.
The Broncos leaned heavily into their running game (183.0 ypg, 3rd MAC) in 2024 and have the weapons to do it again. Leading rusher Jadin Nixon is now at Central Florida, but Jalen Buckley is back after gaining 683 yards (5.3 ypc) and scoring six touchdowns. The Broncos also brought in speedster Cole Cabana (Michigan), who impressed during spring work.
• Seniors Adam Vandervest and John Hofer return on the offensive line. Former Michigan Wolverine Raheem Anderson figures at center, while OG Hunter Whitenack (6-6, 361) should give opposing defenders plenty of trouble.
• A couple of receiving transfers -- Christian Leary (Georgia Tech) and Talique Williams (Georgia State) -- could enhance the passing game. Blake Bosma (6 TDs in 2024) returns at tight end.
As for 2024 conference play, the Broncos started with four straight wins. However, they then lost three straight before the finale win over EMU.
With a decent group of returnees, there is optimism -- especially if transfers can make significant contributions.
OFFENSE:
• Quarterback Hayden Wolff is gone after finishing off his career with 208 completions for 2,410 yards and 18 TDs in 2024. He completed 66.7 percent of his passes and tossed eight interceptions along the way.
Backup Broc Lowry, who saw very limited action last year after transferring from Indiana, could move into the starting role. However Brady Jones earned junior college All-American honors and is also an option.
The Broncos leaned heavily into their running game (183.0 ypg, 3rd MAC) in 2024 and have the weapons to do it again. Leading rusher Jadin Nixon is now at Central Florida, but Jalen Buckley is back after gaining 683 yards (5.3 ypc) and scoring six touchdowns. The Broncos also brought in speedster Cole Cabana (Michigan), who impressed during spring work.
• Seniors Adam Vandervest and John Hofer return on the offensive line. Former Michigan Wolverine Raheem Anderson figures at center, while OG Hunter Whitenack (6-6, 361) should give opposing defenders plenty of trouble.
• A couple of receiving transfers -- Christian Leary (Georgia Tech) and Talique Williams (Georgia State) -- could enhance the passing game. Blake Bosma (6 TDs in 2024) returns at tight end.
DEFENSE:
• Five returnees are back on defense - mostly up front and along the back line. Popeye Williams and Tyson Lee return along the D-line, where several transfers also enter the mix.
• Junior Demari Roberson, who had 52 tackles last year, returns at linebacker. Juniors Domanick Moon and Dillon Moore are also possible LB starters.
• Three seniors, including both safeties are part of the secondary. Tate Hollock and Aaron Wofford were both active tacklers. Hallock (Second Team All-MAC) was second among Broncos with 84 tackles and also picked off four of the team's eight interceptions. Wofford recorded 64 stops.
SPECIAL TEAMS:
• Senior Palmer Domschke is back at kicker after missing most of 2024. He put up 62 points in 2023, but range was an issue at that time. He had a long of 49 yards but made just 3-of-8 from 40 yards and beyond.
Ryan Milimore returns at punting after averaging 40.3 yards per boot (11th MAC) last year.
• Five returnees are back on defense - mostly up front and along the back line. Popeye Williams and Tyson Lee return along the D-line, where several transfers also enter the mix.
• Junior Demari Roberson, who had 52 tackles last year, returns at linebacker. Juniors Domanick Moon and Dillon Moore are also possible LB starters.
• Three seniors, including both safeties are part of the secondary. Tate Hollock and Aaron Wofford were both active tacklers. Hallock (Second Team All-MAC) was second among Broncos with 84 tackles and also picked off four of the team's eight interceptions. Wofford recorded 64 stops.
SPECIAL TEAMS:
• Senior Palmer Domschke is back at kicker after missing most of 2024. He put up 62 points in 2023, but range was an issue at that time. He had a long of 49 yards but made just 3-of-8 from 40 yards and beyond.
Ryan Milimore returns at punting after averaging 40.3 yards per boot (11th MAC) last year.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
The schedule is a mixed bag. WMU hosts North Texas and Rhode Island in non-conference play. The Broncos open Aug. 30 at Michigan State and visit Illinois Sept. 13
The MAC opener is early (Week 4) and a tough assignment as Western Michigan hosts Toledo. The Broncos visit Miami Oct. 25 but have fared well against the RedHawks in recent times. The final home game is against defending MAC champ Ohio on Nov. 11.
Even with a quarterback change, the Broncos are likely to look similar in 2025 -- a potent offense that thrives on its run game and a defense looking for stops. Improvement on the defensive end is likely a key to posting more wins this time around.
The schedule is a mixed bag. WMU hosts North Texas and Rhode Island in non-conference play. The Broncos open Aug. 30 at Michigan State and visit Illinois Sept. 13
The MAC opener is early (Week 4) and a tough assignment as Western Michigan hosts Toledo. The Broncos visit Miami Oct. 25 but have fared well against the RedHawks in recent times. The final home game is against defending MAC champ Ohio on Nov. 11.
Even with a quarterback change, the Broncos are likely to look similar in 2025 -- a potent offense that thrives on its run game and a defense looking for stops. Improvement on the defensive end is likely a key to posting more wins this time around.
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